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Espositos Pizza'n Pasta the Original
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Italian Pizza, Italian [Edit]
9917 Lee HwyFairfax, VA 22030
(703) 385-5912
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Diane L. said: "The best pizza I've ever had! I work in Fair Lakes and I always get them to deliver when I am too lazy to leave the office for lunch. I love their Gyros and also the chicken caesar wrap! I love the fact that they don't overload their…" read more »
27 reviews for Espositos Pizza'n Pasta the Original
Review Highlights
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"My only complaint---there is very little on the menu that..." In 3 reviews -
"This place is a home run every time." In 3 reviews -
"...rolls filled to overflowing with a delicious veal filling." In 4 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Emily A.
3/26/2012
This is a great little Italian restaurant that you barely even notice is there. My husband and I go there every once in a while and we almost always order the Mozzarella in Carrozza. It's not your typical fried mozzarella - very different from anything I have had before. It has some type of bread stuff with the mozzarella and it sits on top of olive oil with anchovies. It's certainly not healthy, but it is quite a good indulgence. I would definitely recommend it.
We are in our late 20s, and we usually feel a little young going into this place with an older crowd and an older decor, but the food is well worth it. It has sort of a homey feel like the restaurants where I am from in the Midwest.
The pizza has a thinner crust and a great overall taste. I have had a few Italian dished there, and they have all been really great. -
Review from Rob V.
Summit, NJ
5/20/2012
Northern Virginia suffers from a deficit of good food, and Esposito's doesn't do much to remedy that. Coming from NJ, I was anxious to find a decent italian restaurant to make my go-to place. Esposito's was one of the first I tried.
It seemed promising: small place, family owned. When I first entered I thought the interior was pretty worn out, and not in a way that had any character. It just seemed old. It didn't help that every person in there eating was probably over 75. However, I've eaten at enough holes in the wall to know that the decor of a place has absolutely no bearing on the food.
Well, I didn't think the food was up to par. The sauce seemed jarred. My manicotti was mush. The search for decent italian in northern virginia continues. -
Review from Bob W.
Fairfax, VA
4/1/2012
For anyone who goes out to eat regularly, this restaurant will blend in with the great majority of restaurants that aren't terrible, but aren't great, either. Strictly middle-of-the road, forgettable.
The pizza was almost inedible. My wife said her meal was actually good.
Service was good, staff was friendly.
The restaurant desperately needs a make-over. Replacement of the floor tile and ceiling a must. -
Review from Amanda P.
Fairfax, VA
3/13/2012
We occasionally pickup big orders of pizza and salad from here. The salad with the marinated carrots is amazing!
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Review from Andrew S.
Fairfax, VA
1/10/2012
I recently attended a retirement party here, and it was my first visit. I have to say, for being across the street from my apartment, I wouldn't have gone here without an invite. Apart from its' rather inconspicuous nature, the food was very good. Real Italian folks, and real Italian food. Pizza was very good, and the Lasagna that I ordered was done well also. There portions are reasonable, but not large, so be warned if you are a big eater, you will need desert. I'll also add that the wine selection is very good here. A number of decent imports, and at reasonable prices.
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Review from Jean J.
Leesburg, VA
12/18/2011
Went to this little " mom and pop" restaurant for a going away dinner. The traffic was awful but worth the trip to Fairfax. It's a family owned home style Italian restaurant with REALLY good food. I had the spinach and ricotta ravioli with a cream sauce that had 6 on the plate. At first i was saying wow, that's not much. But OMG it was very good, needed a little more spinach but yummy and very filling. My BFF had a pasta with chicken dish that was hearty. All the pasta is made fresh. We also had the fried zucchini that was just barely battered which made it that much better. The sauces were thick and hearty. The place is small, has a small parking lot but the meals are yummy and filling.
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Review from Robert M.
Fairfax, VA
7/15/2011
I figured, given the good reviews and the number of NY and NJ license plates in the parking lot, that I'd give this place a try when I got homesick for Northern NJ. Bad choice. This place would be the worst Italian restaurant in Central or South Jersey. Yes, that's how bad it was.
The Mozzarella In Carrozza was a 0 out of 5 -- greasy, yet completely tasteless, with the texture of the anchovies making the dish inedible. Had the Spaghetti Carbonara as a main and it was only slightly better. 2 out of 5. Cooked carrots in the salad? Brown lettuce? Stale bread? Questions of style and authenticity aside, this is simply not a good restaurant.
And I wanted so badly a little slice of home. Perhaps I'll give the pizza a try at some point, though probably not for a long while. -
Review from Melissa D.
Parlin, NJ
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a home run every time. Authentic Italian and very delicious. The service was wonderful. I personally don't give a hoot if the decor is not up to date ... I'm here for good food and that's what I got.
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Review from Michelle P.
Fairfax, VA
11/7/2007
I am always in the market for a good Italian place and that's just what Espositos is! It isn't a place where i feel stuffed and like it was the most incredible meal, but its definitely very good and reasonably priced. When i went we got a bottle of wine, an appetizer and two dinners for under $80 (with tip) which is great considering we had a $40 bottle of wine!
I was the most impressed with the appetizer we got. It was the Brushetta pizza. It was basically a large pizza with garlic and tomatoes and a little cheese, which was fantastic. Their pizza crust was so good i was disappointed that i didn't get a piece of pizza. And it was only like $5. We definitely had left overs!
My entree was very unique. It was chicken in a garlic butter sauce that was so good. I just wanted to eat the sauce and vegetables. The wine list is not extensive but definitely unique. And i wish i had had enough room for their delicious looking deserts!
The best part, i felt like i was eating a 4 star fancy meal.... but i was in jeans! Its really laid back and makes you feel like you're at home. Which is especially nice at an Italian place as you don't worry about getting marinara sauce on the table cloth (or on yourself!)Listed in: Carbo Loading
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Review from Matt N.
Ashburn, VA
9/10/2009
The first time I tried it, I was 17 - which unfortunately was 19 years ago. I had two plates of the spaghetti w/marinara sauce. The staff watched as I consumed the second plate--easy like Sunday morning. I've come back countless times over the years for one simple reason: italian women dig skinny honkies who eat a lot of their food.
All unfunny joking aside, this place is worth the stop. Not to look at, but to eat at. The decor is the same as it was when my high school girlfriend kept can-of-soda pull tabs on her key ring to remind her of how many times I left her unsatisfied.
The food here is consistently delicious. My personal favorites are the ravioli with cream sauce, spaghetti, gnocchi, pizza margherita, chicken parm, mozzarella caprese salad, paglia e fieno, pollo picatta, eggplant and the mozzarella in carrozza. Who doesn't like a block of deep fried cheese topped with anchovy, surrounded with sizzlin' butter a la Ruth Chris?
I've never had bad service here--occasionally a bit slower than I'd like, because they're usually busy...and I've never had a bad food experience, either by taste or by gastro after-effects. The only reason I give it a four is that it could use some interior updating, it's fairly dark with the old school lighting. That said, it's definitely worth the stop. And if you speak italian, you'll never get the wait staff to leave the table. I speak German on the side, so, oh well. -
Review from Richard J.
Davis, CA
2/27/2009
Oh Espositos, this restaurant just doesn't seem to work.
The big negative is the atmosphere of the restaurant. It doesn't look like it has changed since the 80s and it's seemingly just as ugly. There's this crappy lighting going around the entire restaurant that just cast this artificial glaring light on your table. Instead of playing italian-themed music (or dare I say it, classical?) they were playing 80's rock. It didn't even smell like Italian food, it smelled really generic.
As for the food, it was good, but nothing very special. I ordered Salmon Mezzalunas, which were delicious, yet I feel the dish was lacking an element as it was plainly the mezzalunas and a cheesy alfredo sauce. It needed a garnish of maybe tomatoes or parsely, something. The other two entrees we ordered were very basic, but like I said, very little complaint about the food.
Service was meh. The waiters weren't interesting or motivated. There wasn't a "family" feel. I saw the owner over at the cash register and she looked interesting, it's a shame that didn't get passed on to her restaurant. I'll probably never return. -
Review from A. S.
Fairfax, VA
12/12/2009
As others have noted, the decor is outdated. I can get past that though. But the food needs to be excellent. I can't say this place has excellent food.
I got the ravioli and my date got the fettuccine. The ravioli was fine although the sauce was a bit too sweet. The fettuccine had some weird taste that we couldn't quite pinpoint--maybe too much nutmeg.
Our meals came with salads, which was nice, but the ingredients should have been fresher. One of my tomatoes had a brown spot on it. Sure, it happens, but I don't want it on my plate.
All in all it was a fine meal, but we won't be going back. -
Review from Carrie B.
8/29/2008
I really enjoyed visiting Esposito's when in Fairfax to throw my best friend a baby shower. Turns out her and her husband, who have lived in Fairfax for a few years now have never had the chance to go so the whole family headed that way for dinner after the shower. Driving up you can't tell if the building used to be a Shoney's or something to that effect, but looks can be deceiving. This place was adorable and everyone was so friendly. I think we only had one little hiccup with 1 of the 10 entrees not coming out at the same time.
The calamari and artichoke appetizer was great and everyone enjoyed their meals, there were seafood dishes, lasagna, chicken parm and others and they all looked great. Like Michelle said, the price was great too, for 10 or so adults we were under $200. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for casual Italian dining in the Fairfax area. -
Review from Mikey W.
Fairfax, VA
4/18/2009
I briefly read an article about this family owned restaurant while waiting at the PT office and wanted to give it a try.
Came here on a friday night with 3 others, place wasn't too busy thankfully. We ordered one of their white pzzas as an appetizer. delicious!
Being adventurous i decided to order their osso bucco. I've never had the dish before, but i was pretty impressed. My first test when I got the dish was to stick my fork into the veal shank. The meat fell apart effortlessly! My only complaint was I thought the meatwas under seasoned. I suppose for some, the marrow is the best part, but after trying it I gave it up to someone else.
The prices here were very reasonable and I'd come for the pizza alone! -
Review from Melinda C.
Alexandria, VA
9/22/2009
I think those that grew up around the area have a soft spot for this place because it's been there for so long. Don't get me wrong, I have places that are close to my heart for that reason too, but I am not from this area, so here's what I thought:
The place definitely hasn't been updated since it opened, but that didn't bother me. We got there early and was hoping to sit at a bar and have a drink but they didn't have one, but they were more than accommodating and allowed us to sit down at the table before our entire party arrived (they were not busy at the time), and brought us bread.
This is the second time I've been there, and every time I am looking through every single line of this menu to find something I want. The normal Italian classics are not there. Why do they have veal parmigiana but its chicken sister version? Same with the marsala. The chicken piccata was very good, and their pizza crust was thin and crispy and delicious, but I think their green peppers were canned, so that was a bummer.
This place reminds me of a place at home I used to go with my family to for years. It's homier Italian food than Olive Garden, but not as great as a Filomena or something. But prices are ok and the service was more than decent, so, thumbs up from me. Someone else said they had the osso bucco there, but I have yet to see that on their menu! Maybe it was a special that night. I would have gotten that in a heartbeat. -
Review from Becky C.
Fairfax, VA
10/15/2010
I can only speak to their pizza since that's all I have had. My boyfriend had chicken and said it was meh, a friend had the Eggplant parm and raved.
Anyway, back to the pizza, it's FANTASTIC. It's brick oven style pizza with very fresh ingredients, and I love the sauce.
Not the greatest atmosphere, but if someone I know suggests pizza I always take them here and they are never disappointed. -
Review from Susan H.
1/20/2009 5 photos
We've been going to Esposito's since it first opened. What drew us there was a review by the then Washington Post food critic. In particular, she liked their zucchini fritti. The first time we tried it, we both agreed---it was (and still is!) the best zucchini fritti we've ever had!
The DC Metro area is not known for having good Italian food. We're from the Northeast and took good Italian food for granted---until we moved here. Of all the Italian restaurants we've tried through years of living here, we still think Esposito's is the one that comes the closest to what is found in the Northeast.
For one thing, the bread in the bread basket is the real thing---true Italian bread like what's found further north. They make their own bread, pasta and sauce. When we go, I like to see what the daily specials are. If you order one of them, you won't go wrong. The pasta dishes are all good. My only complaint---there is very little on the menu that would suit a vegan. Most Italian restaurants do offer some meatless pasta dishes. From what I can see, the only one offered at Esposito's is the pasta with eggplant.
Their pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven. While good, I prefer a less crisp crust.
The owner, Maria Esposito, is often there and will greet customers. Do give Esposito's a try, it is very reasonably priced and the staff is friendly and efficient.
One last thing---the place is in need of a remodeling but don't let that scare you off---it's kept very clean! -
Review from Michael M.
Alexandria, VA
3/28/2010
I read several reviews for this place and thought.. wth I'll try it. I love Italian home style cooking and this place had it written all over it.
I hate to say it but I had better Italian food in the lunch room in middle school. I had Spaghetti and Meatballs and I got jar sauce with bread balls and a meat filler. Bland and tasteless. The garlic bread was overly baked and extremely oily. The decor looked more like a Pizza Hut in the mid 80's. For a place that has been there for so long it needs to step its game up. -
Review from John D.
Haymarket, VA
11/6/2010
We came here recently with a large group for a family birthday. Our family has frequenting this restaurant for well over 10 years and have rarely been disappointed. As others have noted, there is a contrast here - fine quality food and excellent service coupled with decor in need of modernization.
Tonight, as usual, the food was very good as was the service. We never felt rushed. About the only complaint was the TV on in the corner showing a CNN documentary on serial killers. We probably should have asked that it be turned off, but other than that, we really don't have any complaints. Highlights tonight included veal marsala, chicken stuffed with spinach and gorgonzola cheese, pasta fagoli soup, and a wonderful selection of deserts. -
Review from Jack B.
Reston, VA
7/29/2010
What a find! I came in here for a late lunch and was very impressed. Server was quiet, but very professional. Calamari was eh... BUT Pollo Rosmarino was one of the best dishes I've had in a very long time... Incredible I recommend visiting simply for that dish... I will be back
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Review from Vanessa P.
Bristow, VA
2/18/2009
Good, hearty, hot Italian food. Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for the owners) this place is packed every time I've gone. There has always been a slight wait for the server to come to our table, but, the food makes up for it.
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Review from M G.
Arlington, VA
1/21/2009
We tried Esposito's tonight for the first time. Although the sign out front indicates that they have been around since 1982, we had not noticed them before. The place is very friendly and serves very good Italian comfort food. The menu includes pizzas, pastas, and meat entrees.
My wife had the ravioli with meat sauce. The ravioli was filled with cheese and spinach and could be ordered with a cream or meat sauce. The meat sauce that my wife ordered went very well with the ravioli filling. This was a very good dish.
I ordered the cannelloni which was outstanding. There were two nice-sized pasta rolls filled to overflowing with a delicious veal filling. The cream and tomato sauce that covered the cannelloni and most of the plate was so good that I used the bread (a basket of which had been brought to our table when we sat down) to mop up every last bit.
The dinners included salads which were good, but not noteworthy except to say that Esposito's had slightly cooked the carrots and this added a very nice taste and texture. The prices are quite reasonable and there is plenty of free parking. We have added Esposito's to our list of Northern Virginia restaurants to continue to visit. -
Review from Rose N.
Fairfax, VA
2/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
Simple and authentic, right down to the red and white checkered table cloths, this family business remembers the names of it's regulars. The pollo cardinale excellent, and their pizza is the best in Fairfax County. The cooked carrots drenched in ranch dressing on their salads are an odd, and acquired, taste.
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Review from Tom S.
Vienna, VA
3/7/2011
Good thin crust pizza and excellent service. But it could use a make over. Way too much dreary 1970's dark paneling and an interior state of blah.
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Review from Rebecca V.
Vienna, VA
9/7/2008
We LOVE Espositos. The food is great, everything is homemade, and they will cook just about any Italian dish that you ask for. Our favorites are the house salad, pizza with vegetables, and pasta carbonara. This place is old-fashioned both in decor (think formica booths, paneling and red checkered tablecloths) and service (where else would Gina offer to give us Italian lessons?). This is a casual family restaurant with reasonable prices and efficient service, but with delicious food. Live music nights usually consist of an old Italian man and an accordion. You get the idea. My husband is Italian-American and this is our favorite casual Italian restaurant in either DC or Virginia. And we've tried most of them out there.
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Review from mom t.
Virginia Beach, VA
1/8/2010
I looooove Esposito's. My father in law has been coming to this restaurant forever (more than 20 years). He's the one who introduced us to this absolute gem of a family run Italian restaurant. My favorites are the pizza (crackery crust--yum!!!), pollo cardinale (chicken roulade with ham in a creamy mushroom sauce), gnocchi alla panna and gnocchi bolognese--I'll stop there because I could go on and on. The food is simply prepared but verrry authentic and delicious. House made bread and always friendly service are the icing. Love you Esposito's NEVER GO AWAY!!!!!
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Review from Deidra B.
Fairfax, VA
Updated - 3/21/2010
The food is great and the staff are very kind and friendly. Unfortunately I must reduce my previously high rating of Esposito's. The reasons: cleanliness of the facility and eating area; and inconsistent service. The place is run down and badly in need of a remodel and thorough cleaning. We always find gross things on the floor, under the table or on the seat or table. I've had multiple cases of dirty plates, silverware and/or glasses. The service depends on the evening but is on the decline. Mainly they rush you through (I've had the bus boys actually take my plate from me before I was done more than once!) and they NEVER give you a drink refill without having to tackle the waiters. Espositos should close for 6 weeks and remodel & clean their facility so it's easier to keep clean. And they need to establish some minimum service standards and enforce them. Then they'll get their high rating back.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/16/2009
Wonderful restaurant! Northeast, old family style Italian restaurant. You can always get a seat.… Read more »
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